'64 Comet - "Resto-Mod"

[Grumpa]

I feel as if I stole this off of "Ebay" a couple of months ago on a "Buy It Now". I came in a couple of minutes after it was posted and thought, "not exactly what I'm into, but I can't pass it by at this price!". Anyway.

I love muscle cars, I really do, but I love the '30's through the mid 50's more, and although this is a '64, I immediately saw some potential for a "Resto-Mod". Now I know some of you purists are thinking, "Are you kidding! This is an original '64 AMT, Mercury Comet Caliente and you're going to hack it up as a "Resto- "###### the Bruins just got beat!" Mod". Oh well!

I had to go to on line to Japan to find the wheels that I was looking for. As to colors, well I'm hoping that what I intend on doing works.

The model itself is in pretty good shape. Some glue damage on both hoods, but with some cleaning out and some putty I think that I can put it right. I ordered some replacement chrome from the great folks at Modelhaus and it looks fantastic, but I may choose to go another direction. We'll just have to see how it goes.

Here are a few photos prior to my cleaning it up.

As soon as I get a few of the modifications done, I will post a few more photos.

Thanks for takin' a look! ###### Bruins!

[Custom Mike]

It's a plastic model, it's meant to be built, not stored in a hermetically sealed chamber, build the hell out of it!

[Chuck Most]

I will never protest a kit being built, and I've got a soft spot for Mercurys, so this project has my personal blessing.

[Grumpa]

Since I started this back at the end of April, I've started on two other projects and, well although I can multi-task.......I need to finish this one up.

Colors have been decided on, along with wheels. Exhaust has been built from aluminum tubing and is ready. Dash is done, and am now working on the interior.

I wanted to add some head rests to give the interior a little more of an update. As you can see in the photos the headrests are white. In fact they are in the oven right now. I use a polymer clay product called FIMO and have included a photo of the package. I have used this on another build for seat cushions on a '32 Ford. The stuff is very easy to work with and if you don't like the first shot, you can roll it up a start all over again. Once it comes out of the oven and cools down it is easily sanded and painted. I bake is according to the instructions at 230 degrees for 30 minutes on an old 4" x 4" tile.

Try it....you'll like it!

As soon as I get a bit more done, I'll update this build.

Thanks for lookin!

Edited July 7, 2012 by Grumpa

[Dr. Cranky]

Looking good, buddy, and I look forward to more.

[Casey]

Why did you decide to add headrests? One of the advantages of most pre-'69 cars is the lack of headrests, and the fact that there's nothing to catch your eyes as you look down the side of the car, and especially as your eyes pass through/over the interior/side windows.

That is a fantastic starting point, though...so clean.

[Grumpa]

Just a quick update on the interior and chasis.

Finished the interior last night and the chasis earlier this week. Since this was an old "promo" I've tryed to maintain as much of the original kit as possible.

In my post from the 6th I noted the use of "FIMO" polymer clay for the headrests, and how they can be painted. Well in my previous use of this material I used acrylics and on the headrests, for this build, I used Testors, Model Masters enamel. Sprayed a week ago tomorrow, They're still a bit tacky. Eventually it will dry I guess. So just make a note on this if you use the polymer clay.

And yes Casey, I went with the headrests. I was toying with the idea, and since it is an upgrade on your Aunt Stella's car that you inherited. It just looked right.

I should have the body done within the next week or so.

By the way. I think that I used as much painters tape to tape off the different parts of this interior tub and dash as I used painting our master bedroom.

Thanks for lookin!

[01blueedge]

good looking interior

[cobraman]

Coming along nicely.

[AUGIEDOGGIE]

very nice i like the wheels

[1930fordpickup]

Great looking Mercury !!

[charlie8575]

Nice job on the headrests and the interior. Care to do a tutorial on working with clay for objects like that?

Charlie Larkin

[jeffb]

64 comet is one of my fav cars. i owned a light blue vert long ago. someday i'll get around to building a model of it. already have the hard part done.

[Grumpa]

Finished!

Photos posted in "Under glass"

Jeff, I hope to see some photos of this conversion to the "vert"!

Charlie, One of these days.........